Description

New Smyrna Beach, FL | For more than half a century, Sugar Mill Country Club has been regarded as the premier private, member-owned country club in the region. Architect Ron Garl's reimagining of Joe Lee's original 27-hole design has transformed a classic into a modern-day masterpiece, providing challenges and rewards along every bend. Recognized by Audubon International for its environmental stewardship.

About the Area:

New Smyrna Beach gives you a coastal lifestyle with authentic character. Artists live and work here year-round, restaurants source from fishing boats that dock downtown, and 17 miles of beach means you're never fighting for space. This setting complements Sugar Mill Country Club to the fullest.

CLUB DETAILS

Facility: Member Owned

Course Access: Private

Number of Holes: 27

Total Annual Rounds: 40,000

Number of Carts: 45 Course Owned 75 Member Owned

Members (Golf/Social): Golf - 305 Other - 150

Primary Golf Season: January - December

Recent Renovations: 2023-2024 White and Red Nines were fully renovated, with the Blue Nine scheduled for renovation in 2027.

Turfgrass Varieties: TifEagle and Bimini Bermuda

Equipment: Toro and John Deere

Practice Range: Yes

Number of Staff Managed: 20

POSITION OVERVIEW

Title: Golf Course Superintendent

Reports to: General Manager

Supervises: Agronomy Staff

Position Description: The Head Golf Course Superintendent is entrusted with the care, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Sugar Mill's Country Club golf course, practice facilities, and surrounding grounds. This individual will serve as a hands-on leader overseeing all turfgrass programs, staff management, budgeting, agronomic planning, irrigation, and long-term course improvements. The ideal candidate brings strong communication skills, team-oriented leadership, and a deep commitment to continuous improvement.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Golf Course Superintendent is an integral part of the Club's executive leadership team and works closely with the Head Golf Professional to deliver an outstanding golf experience. The Golf Course Superintendent is expected to work as a true partner with the Head Golf Professional in the daily operation of the golf course, ensuring seamless coordination between agronomy and golf operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Golf Course Maintenance & Agronomics

• Direct all phases of golf course maintenance, including mowing, cultural practices, pest/disease management, fertilization, and daily course setup.
• Maintain all turf, landscapes, trees, and ornamental plantings across the entire property.
• Develop and manage an efficient irrigation and water-usage plan, including monitoring and reporting.
• Ensure all chemical applications are safely executed and fully compliant with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Schedule maintenance around member play to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption.
• Lead and support capital improvement projects such as cart-path upgrades, drainage enhancements, bunker work, and long-range agronomic initiatives.

Team Management & Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a committed grounds team.
• Build a positive, collaborative, and professional culture that promotes accountability and pride in course conditions.
• Implement labor-management strategies, staffing schedules, and performance standards.
• Conduct annual performance reviews and mentor team members for growth and advancement.

Financial Management & Planning

• Prepare and manage the annual operating and capital budgets for grounds and agronomy.
• Approve expenditures, maintain inventory, oversee payroll, and ensure operations remain within budgetary expectations.
• Participate in long-term strategic planning regarding course improvements, capital needs, and agronomic direction.

Equipment Maintenance & Safety

• Oversee the repair, preventative maintenance, and replacement of all golf course maintenance equipment.
• Ensure staff follow proper safety protocols, equipment operation procedures, and OSHA compliance.
• Conduct annual equipment evaluations and recommend capital replacements or upgrades.

Communication & Administration

• Maintain detailed and accurate records of chemical applications, water usage, weather data, inventory, and maintenance routines.
• Communicate consistently with the General Manager, Head Golf Professional, Committees, and leadership regarding course conditions, projects, and priorities.
• Provide ongoing updates to the membership about maintenance practices, agronomic philosophies, and upcoming work.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Including, but not limited to, the following:

• 3+ years of experience as a Golf Course Superintendent or 5+ years of experience as an Assistant Superintendent at a private golf facility.
• Degree or certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field required.
• Advanced knowledge of warm-season turf, irrigation system management, and modern agronomic practices.
• Proven ability to consistently deliver high-quality course conditions and manage all in-season and shoulder-season challenges.
• Experience with renovation/restoration projects, drainage work, bunker improvements, and capital planning.
• Florida pesticide applicator license (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• GCSAA membership strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with a history of cultivating positive team culture.
• Effective communicator with members, leadership, and staff.
• Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, labor planning, and resource management.
• Understanding of all legal, environmental, and safety regulations relevant to golf course operations.